Waterproofing Your Fireworks & Firing In the Rain

If you’re properly prepared, then there’s no reason why wet conditions should prevent you from your display running smoothly. Equally, if you take preventative action, you don’t need to worry about your fireworks being damaged by rain or damp either.

To help explain how you can simply and cheaply waterproof your fireworks, we’ve put together a short video showing how cling film can be used to protect your fireworks. This is summarised further in the step-by-step guide below. We’ve also answered some commonly asked questions related to fireworks and wet conditions.

Please note that the technique explained here is primarily for use with firework cakes. The method won’t work for certain fireworks such as small missile barrages.

In the video, Nigel explains how you can follow this simple process to ensure that you’re fireworks are properly waterproofed:

For this method, you will need the following items:

Cling film

Cellotape

Sticky notes or white labels

A tool to cut the cling film

The task is also made easier if you have an assistant.

Step 1 - Lay your firework cake on a flat surface, base down.

Step 2 - Locate the fuse. Some fireworks will already have the fuse exposed. If they don’t, remove the protector. Then take a sticky note or white label and stick it to the cake behind the fuse. This will ensure that when you come to fire the firework in the dark, the fuse will stick out on a bright background when you shine a torch on it. Cling film will be placed over the fuse, but it can be easily burned through with a portfire or blowtorch.

Step 3 - Lift the firework up and pull the end of the cling film to lay a layer underneath the cake, without cutting the cling film. Lift the firework again and cellotape the edge of the cling film to the middle of the base.

Step 4 - Wrap the cling film round the firework cake until all sides are covered. For small firework cakes, you can then cut the cling film and fold the sides round. For extra peace of mind though - and for certain with larger cakes, rotate the firework 90 degrees and repeat the process. This will ensure the firework is sealed in both directions.

Your fireworks are now sealed and will be protected from the rain. They will also be protected from any damage that could otherwise have been caused by damp during storage.

Can I Fire Fireworks in the Rain?

Absolutely. As long as you take preventative action, you’ll be able to avoid any water damage to the fireworks. Whilst cling film will provide supreme protection, it might be savvy to not leave the fireworks out in heavy rain for hours and hours. We would advise placing stakes down ahead of the event, then bringing out the firework cakes and taping them to the stakes shortly before the display begins.

If I Use Cling Film, Do I Need to Take It Off Before Firing?

No. When firing the firework cake in question, you don’t need to remove the cling film. To fire, we would always recommend using a blowtorch or portfire through, as these will safely burn through the cling film layer. Don’t use matches, lighters or gas hob lighters.

Do I Need to Remove the Top Layer From the Firework Before Firing?

The only time you would need to do this is if the firework explicitly states to do so. Many fireworks are designed to be fired with the top layer left on.

Are There Any Fireworks This Method Won’t Work For?

As mentioned, the cling film method won’t work for small, missile-style barrages.

Is This Method Better Than Using a Plastic Bag?

Yes. When using a plastic bag, condensation can form on the inside of the bag. This can lead to irreparable damage to the firework in question.

Galactic Fireworks

We originally started selling fireworks from our village store in Laughton Common, Dinnington over 35 years ago. I don't think you could have picked a worse location for a fireworks shop, but by putting our customers first and having a passion and knowledge to supply only the very best and most exciting fireworks money can buy eventually lead this little village store to be the diamond in the Galactic Fireworks operation. This store is now, what I like to believe is the best fireworks shop in the whole of the UK - bar none.